A structure is described for supporting concrete reinforcement bars in a
concrete structure, such as a footer or foundation. The structure
includes a base member having a lower surface and an opposing upper
surface. A plurality of pairs of opposing first leg members extend upward
from the upper surface of the base member. Each of the first leg members
have a lower end connected to the base member and an upper end distally
disposed from the lower end. The structure includes a plurality of
cradles for receiving the reinforcement bars, where each cradle is
attached to the upper ends of a corresponding pair of the opposing first
leg members. In a preferred embodiment, the structure includes horizontal
support members disposed between and connecting the cradles. To retain
the reinforcement bars within the cradles, preferred embodiments of the
structure include retaining members that protrude inward from the inner
surfaces of the opposing sidewalls. These retaining members offer
interference to any upward movement of the reinforcement bars.
Preferably, the base member, opposing leg members, cradles, retaining
members, and horizontal support members comprise a unitary structural
element, such as a continuous piece of thermoplastic material formed by
injection molding.